Earned media refers to publicity that you do not pay for directly. It is often considered the most credible type of media coverage because it is generated organically through efforts such as public relations, word-of-mouth, or content that resonates with the audience. Examples include:

• News articles or features written by journalists based on your company’s news, achievements, or unique angle.
• Social media mentions, shares, or reviews from customers or influencers who have experienced your product or service.
• Inclusion in industry roundups, podcasts, or expert panels without sponsorship.

Earned media is highly valuable because it provides third-party validation and enhances your brand’s reputation, but it can be challenging to secure and is not guaranteed.

AlphaBull offers a unique public relations earned media program. Learn More

Paid media involves direct payment for placement and exposure. This can include traditional advertising, sponsored content, and paid articles in media outlets. Examples of paid media include:

• Display ads on websites or in print publications.
• Sponsored content that looks similar to editorial content but is marked as an advertisement.
• Paid articles that are placed in prominent outlets where you control the message entirely.

Paid media allows for precise targeting and message control, ensuring that your content reaches your desired audience. However, it may be perceived as less credible compared to earned media because it is clear that the coverage was bought.

Press releases on news wires are a hybrid approach that combines aspects of earned and paid media. When you distribute a press release via a news wire service, you pay for the distribution, but the content itself is treated as news, not an advertisement. This means it can be picked up by journalists, bloggers, and other media outlets who find the content newsworthy. Examples of news wire services include PR Newswire, Fire Newsire and Pubcowire.

Press releases can serve multiple purposes:

• Announcing News: Share significant company developments, product launches, or events with a broad audience.
• Boosting SEO: Enhance your online presence through backlinks from reputable news outlets.
• Increasing Visibility: Distribute your message to a wide network of media outlets, increasing the chances of coverage.

While press releases offer broad distribution, the challenge lies in crafting newsworthy content that captures media attention. The release itself is paid for, but any additional media coverage it generates can be considered earned.

AlphaBull offers a full service news wire with national and global distribution. Learn More